NCSS Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year

Sponsored by Farmers Insurance

The annual NCSS Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards recognize exceptional classroom social studies teachers for grades K-6, 5-8, and 7-12 who teach social studies regularly and systematically in elementary school settings, and at least half-time in middle or junior high and high school settings. Award winners receive $2,500, complimentary one-year membership in NCSS, and present a session on their work at the NCSS Annual Conference, and up to $500 in transportation/lodging reimbursement to attend the Annual Conference.

Application/Nomination Deadline Extended: June 20, 2014

Criteria

Anyone may nominate. Self nominations will be accepted.

NCSS Membership is required.

Social studies teachers for grades K-6, 5-8, and 7-12 who teach social studies regularly and systematically in elementary school settings, and at least half time in middle/junior high and high school settings.

Nominees cannot be nominated for the award in more than one category (i.e., junior high/middle school teachers are ineligible for the secondary award).

Demonstrated exceptional abilities in the categories listed below:

Developing or using instructional materials creatively and effectively.

Fostering a spirit of inquiry and the development of skills related to acquiring, organizing, processing, and using information and making decisions related to both domestic and international matters.

Fostering the development of democratic beliefs and values, and the skills needed for citizen participation appropriate to students' grade level in classroom, school, and community settings.

Professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees, and other association activities, etc.

Submission Requirements

Each nominee/applicant will be responsible for gathering and submitting all required materials by the assigned due date. Failure to submit all materials by the deadline will disqualify the nominee/applicant for the current award cycle.

Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents with the application. The uploaded documents may be combined in a single zip file or may be combined into a single pdf document with page headers that identify according to the list of nomination requirements. Links to external websites are not acceptable, and will be disregarded by the selection committee:

Describe how this teacher demonstrates professional leadership and relates to his/her colleagues.

5. A letter from professional colleague (teacher in your building, professor, district supervisor, etc.) (2 page maximum) addressing the following:

Describe the ways this teacher exhibits excellence in social studies instruction, including how this teacher integrates the concepts of the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework (http://www.socialstudies.org/c3) into their work.

How does this teacher demonstrate knowledge of content that leads to high levels of student learning?

Describe how this teacher demonstrates knowledge and appreciation of students’ varying skills, approaches to learning, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

6. A letter from the applicant/nominee that includes (2 page maximum):